What if you just want the film to HARD CUT to the opening image, rather than fade in to it. Do you still have to write FADE IN:?

Anonymous, the reality is you can do anything you want. There isn't a Hollywood Death Panel sitting in judgment of screenwriters committing format 'sins.' If it's really important to start your story with the opening image you have in mind w/o a FADE IN:, go ahead and do it. But just be cognizant that a professional script reader will have to be convinced at the special nature of your choice because they will (obviously) note that you did not start with FADE IN:. If they're not 'grabbed' by your choice, they could start out their reading experience by wondering if you're an amateur who doesn't know that scripts are supposed to start with FADE IN:.

Just about every script I have ever read has not started with FADE IN. Therefore, I don't start my scripts with it either. Plus, I like to start right there with the opening image. The less words there are between the that image and the cover of my script, the better. It makes it feel so much more immediate and visceral, in my opinion.

Nicholas, I just checked out the beginnings to about 20 scripts from the last decade or so, and I'd say 15 of them start with FADE IN. But there are those that don't including The Dark Knight which begins:

BURNING. Massive flames. A dark shape emerges- the BAT SYMBOL. Growing. Filling the screen with BLACKNESS.

So there you go: If Chris and Jonathan Nolan can do it, so can you.

Perhaps we're in a transition mode and FADE IN: is becoming another example of the old 'scripty' style of writing that will 'fade out' over time.

But if FADE IN: goes, can FADE OUT: be far behind?

I'm going to be the voice of dissent here.
And say: Scott...
Your new 'haiku'-style
Article writing
Is irritating
As hell.
:
-
)

Scott, thanks for the response. You've convinced me to go ahead and just use FADE IN:.

Quick related secondary question: For most scripts I read now, they seem to prefer to format the first "FADE IN:" top left instead of top right where transitions normally go. Your thoughts?

And bonus question (if I may be so bold): Use of "we"? Yay or Nay?

Belzecue,
I
don't
agree
with
your
assessment.

And I actually find the format style refreshing; is there some Hollywood Blogger format we must adhere to in an attempt to appeal to the masses?

Entitled to your opinion, but as you so openly offered yours, I thought I'd offer mine.

To
each
their
own.

Ryan, yes, just my opinion. Nothing wrong with a blog author trying a new voice.

But for me, Scott's new 'voice' is like going to my favourite pub and finding they've hired a doorman. No longer can I enter unimpeded. Now the doorman halts me outside and demands that I admire his suit and compliment him on his haircut before he'll let me in.

Wow, your analogy is quite idiosyncratic -- so much so that I'm sure something is lost in its telling. Not sure you have to compliment the doorman, but if he lets in, have a pint on me.

Cheers.

Last week I received feedback from Dave Trottier (The Screenwriter's Bible) regarding the opening of my script which began with a quote.

A BLACK SCREEN

SUPER: ("Quote in titles.")

FADE IN:

Best,
Montana Malone

Geeze, just tell the friggin story and don't get buried in the process.

A lot of movies don't fade in. Take the fist moment of Star Wars for example, Wham! those letters huge and bright along with the opening score hit simultaneously to smack your lame ass down in the seat and let you know something special and bold is about to happen. Or you cold just FADE IN: